She has been there since the start and it is where she will finish her career, with veteran utility back Karina Brown confirming that the 2024 season will be her last of professional rugby league.
It was back in 2010 on the Gold Coast when the journey began for Brown and in that time, the 35-year-old has played for three NRLW sides – the Titans, the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors.
She has also represented both Queensland in Origin and Australia at two World Cups as well as stints with several BMD premiership sides.
Brown also has a Veronica White Medal to her name from 2021 and she is honoured to have been a modern pioneer of the game and paved the way for the next generation.
“It’s been a privilege to have played a small part in rugby league history. To see the growth of the game and the impact women’s rugby league has had on the community has been so inspiring,” Brown said.
“My journey has been filled with memories I will treasure forever, made even more special alongside my family, friends, teammates and of course, fans of the game.”
Although Brown’s playing career may be over, she knows her rugby league journey is not over with just yet.
“This may be the end of my playing career but as a servant of the game, I still have so much more to give,” Brown continued.
“What that looks like right now I don’t know, but I’m certainly excited to find out.
“Thank you to everyone who made my career possible, I am grateful beyond words.”
Brown has been exposed to many pioneers before and one is none other than Titans coach Karyn Murphy, having first seen Brown back in 2010.
“My first memory of ‘Goose’ is when she debuted in 2010 for Queensland, and it’s been a privilege to watch her career grow over the past 14 years,” she said.
“She’s a player who everyone wants to play alongside, always putting the team first no matter what level of the game she’s involved in.
“She might be small in stature, but she’s got such a big heart and continually plays well above her weight – the way she runs into the teeth of the defensive line and gets battered, but then gets up and goes again and again is truly inspiring.”
